This is a blog about many things – primarily, my weight loss journey.
After being admitted to Hospital in July 2010 (for a condition unrelated to my weight), I was shocked to discover that I weighed 243 kilograms. At this point, I made the decision to have Lap-Band surgery – something I’d been thinking about doing for some time but had been putting off.
Please share the highs and lows with me as I go on this journey to strive to find a healthier and happier me.

Friday, August 12, 2011

It's been a while...

I haven’t blogged in a few days! Well, it’s been quite a while actually.

I have been a bit sidetracked over the past week. Things are okay. I am just very tired and really need a break from everything, I think.

Good thing is that although I have felt a bit cruddy, I have managed to continue to exercise and eat well (other than my small intake of Nachos last night!).

I have been to the Gym a few times in the past week. I have discovered the wonders of the steam room. It’s such a relaxing place. Although I must say I will be a little more careful when I am in the Female change rooms from now on. On Tuesday night, I did some running and I also swam. I decided to go in the steam room after that. I came out and dried off (as you do) and as it was late at night, I assumed that no one else was at the gym other than me (Female, anyway). So, I took my bathers off and attempted to put my pants on (I had forgotten to bring clean and dry underwear). As I was hopping around trying to get my half wet leg into my pants, 2 girls walked in (early twenties maybe?) and the one who lead MUST have seen my butt. I have no doubt that she did. She just gave me that smile that I’d give to a Woman of my ‘petite form’ who looks as though she is having some kind of standing epileptic fit. I was so embarrassed. I was a bit more embarrassed when I realized that I didn’t bring a clean, dry bra either so I waddled out braless as well as knickerless. Lesson learnt!

My Certificate IV in fitness is going really well. I am almost totally up to date with my modules. I shall do some more tonight. We had a lecture on the Skeletal system and Muscles on Monday night. Urgh. Not my forte at all! I have purchased some books on Anatomy that I intend on studying. I have also found some great books on Personal Training and some experiences of other trainers. I am really enjoying the course and am getting a lot out of it. I am learning a lot about myself during the process and am finding that I am testing a lot of the things I learn on me so therefore, I can be my own Guinea Pig!

I’m only seeing Michael once a week now. I saw him yesterday and we did a lot of upper body stuff. It’s great to be doing some toning as I am so worried about how much excess skin I am going to have. I know that I will end up with a fair bit but, the more work I do now on my muscles means the more toned I am going to be when it comes time to finally have my excess skin removed. Because I am still young, my skin is still quite elastic so I am hoping that it will act like shrink wrap and go back into place!

I have made quite a few purchases over the past few days. I have been inspired by Trish to get a heart rate monitor. It’s been something that I have been thinking about getting for a while. I saw hers last night and fell in love so, I purchased one today. It should arrive next week. I am really looking forward to getting it to see how hard I am actually working as I know that the monitors on the equipment at the gym are not all that accurate. If you’re interested in getting one, the site that she pointed out to me is www.the polarshop.com.au – she has been hunting around for some bargains and it seems that going directly to the source has paid off. I got the FT60. I’m a bit excited :)

I also bought a few new clothes. I have been asked a few times where I get my clothes from. A lot of them are from http://www.oldnavy.com/ – they have a plus size section and they have also recently reduced their shipping prices. The products arrive 10 days or so after ordering them. It is great as they have reviews on what other purchases think of the clothes and you are able to rate them based on overall fit, length and quality. It’s sort of like the eBay feedback system although this is a bit more honest when you ask ‘will my butt look big in this’. Thank you for introducing me to ON, Trishy xo I also get some of my things from http://www.swakdesigns.com/ – they have fantastic specials and have free shipping for purchase over $75. Do remember the Aussie Dollar is still quite good at the moment so shop whilst you can :) I have also bought (gulp) around about 15 Wii games since the purchase of my lovely gaming console. I LOVE the ‘just dance’ games and the other games where you have to get up and move. It is so much fun. All the kids have a go and it’s so much better than sitting on your butt and not doing much! I highly recommend :)

I have also had a few people talk to me about sharing their story on my blog. I’d love invite some guests to contribute something so that you can tell your story. And at your request, anonymity is guaranteed. If you’d like to submit something, please feel free – movingforwardlookingforward@gmail.com – I hope to post a few stories over the coming weeks. Write as much or as little as you’d like and it doesn’t matter what stage you are at with your weight loss (thinking about it, beginning, maintaining etc…).

Oh, and my eldest Son, Lachlan is taking part in the 40 hour famine this weekend. He is giving up ‘fighting with his Brother’s and Sister and not doing as his Parent’s tell him’. If you are able to sponsor him, please go to http://www.worldvision.com.au/40HF/ProfilePage.aspx?preferredurl=lachlan99 I wish you all the best, Lachie xoxo I'd love to do the 40 hour famine this year as with the band, I would not feel hungry at all! I think that would be cheating a bit. If I gave up Facebook on the other hand...

I’m off to do some more cleaning. I’ve been in my PJs all day and have gotten so much stuff done! I am not sure what I am doing this weekend but have noticed a lack of photos of myself over the past month or so. That will have to change as I need to add some for the month of August!